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Time to “turn it up” with my 2017 theme song, as we go “Over and Over”

It would appear this year’s theme, Rachel Platten’s Fight Song, was all too true. We all appeared to be in the fight of our lives, with many of us, and those we loved so much, not making it to the end. For me, it was a year of transformation on a fundamental level. I had long said the “old John” was gone, but never knew just how of who I used to be was still left. This year ended that with swift, decisive blows. My dark side came out in grand fashion in so many ways, but it was all part of a release and acknowledgement that who I had been for so long was someone never wanted to be again.

This year’s theme song is a little late in the selection, only because it was hard to decide one which matches how 2017 is shaping up to be. It is about both completion and renewal. Many things in my life are now looking to bloom anew, and many of those I once counted as close friends have parted ways with me. What was in the past must be left there, and there are so few songs which combine the themes of loneliness and sadness with healing and profound hope. Fortunately I found one.

I have to hand it to the Goo Goo Dolls, they really do know how to hit a home run with their music. My theme song for this year is their hit Over and Over, which really does hit on all cylinders.

The music is loud and rocking, the lyrics are meaningful. Here is just a taste…

Love is all you want, but you never gonna feel the same.

It’s hard to be yourself when everyone around you’s changin’

Open up your eyes and you’ll lose yourself again.

And we go over and over and over again

Are you lost in the past thinking what might have been?

You’re here and you’re now, start it over and then,

Take it over and over and over again.

TURN IT UP!

So damned true about 2016 for me. I was stuck in the past thinking “what might have been.” Those days are over. I’m done being stuck in the past. Now I can focus on a new, bright future. I’m taking risks the likes of which I have never taken before. I’m done being safe. I fought and scrapped in 2016. This year was the fight for my life, and I was so right about it. Rather than just a superficial fight for freedom, this turned into a fight to change myself into someone I was meant to be. The battle was between myself and I, and many people were hurt in the process. I am sorry for this, but now I have a chance to start over and start again, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.

This song will be the theme playing in my mind whenever I need inspiration. When I need to remind myself why I left certain occupations, choices, and people in the past, this song will be played. I’m dedicating myself to being happier, more alive, more mindful and more “in the moment.” This year will be devoted to finishing what I started, as well as working to the best person I can be, whether through helping others, fighting for worthy causes, or memorializing the sacrifices of others. This year is about completion and new beginnings, and this song will help drive me in that direction.